Household appliances and their control panel components, touch modules

Abstract

A household appliance and a control panel assembly and a touch module thereof, wherein the control panel assembly of the household appliance comprises: a touch panel, and also comprises a touch module, wherein the touch module comprises: a touch sensor group and a structural support frame, wherein the touch sensor group comprises one or more touch sensors, wherein one side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, and the touch module abuts against the touch panel so that the other side of the touch sensor is in contact with the touch panel. The above scheme can provide a novel control panel assembly of a household appliance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a household appliance and a control panel assembly and a touch module thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of intelligent home appliances, more and more home appliances are controlled by touch control panels.

[0003] At present, a touch control panel usually includes: a touch panel, a touch film, etc., and the touch film is pasted on the touch panel. Since the touch panel usually takes into account the overall appearance of the touch control panel, the touch panel is relatively large in size and has a smooth surface. When the touch film is pasted on the touch panel, high pasting accuracy is required. When a smaller touch film is pasted on a larger touch panel with a smooth surface, bubbles are easily generated, resulting in a high scrap rate of the touch film, which in turn leads to a high cost of the touch control panel. In addition, when the touch panel fails, since the touch film pasted on the touch panel cannot be removed from the failed touch panel and reused, it needs to be replaced together with the touch film, resulting in a high maintenance cost of the control panel. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a novel control panel assembly for a household appliance.

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a control panel assembly for a household appliance, comprising: a touch panel, and also a touch module, the touch module comprising: a touch sensor group and a structural support frame, the touch sensor group comprising one or more touch sensors, one side of the touch sensor being adhered to the structural support frame, the touch module being abutted against the touch panel so that the other side of each touch sensor is in contact with the touch panel.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0007] The control panel assembly of the household appliance includes a touch module and a touch panel. The touch module includes a touch sensor group and a structural support frame. One side of the touch sensor in the touch sensor group is adhered to the structural support frame, and the other side of the touch sensor is abutted against the touch panel through the touch module so that the touch panel is attached to the touch panel. Since the structural support frame does not need to take into account the overall appearance, it is possible to adjust the size of the structural support frame according to the size of the touch sensor, and the surface of the structural support frame usually has holes. When the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, it is not easy to generate bubbles. Even if bubbles appear, it is easy to drive the bubbles out through the holes, thereby effectively reducing the scrap rate of the touch sensor and reducing costs by improving the yield rate. In addition, when the touch panel is damaged, it is only necessary to replace the touch panel alone without replacing the touch sensor. When the touch sensor fails, the touch sensor can be replaced separately. Even in some application scenarios, when it is necessary to replace the parts to which the touch sensor is attached, the cost of the structural support frame is lower than that of the touch panel, so the maintenance cost can be reduced. In summary, the cost can be reduced both in the production process of the control panel assembly and in the maintenance process.

[0008] Optionally, the structural support frame is made of a flexible material, so that the structural support frame can be easily deformed under the action of external force, and then the touch sensor is pushed by the deformation, so that the touch sensor is as close to the touch panel as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully fitted to the touch panel, or the gap between the touch panel and the other side of the touch sensor is reduced, so that the gap between the touch panel and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance, so that when the user operates the touch panel, the touch module can effectively sense the touch operation, thereby improving the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly.

[0009] Optionally, the structural support frame includes: a support portion and an elastic portion, the elastic portion is fixed to the support portion, and the touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion. When the structural support frame is supported by an external force, the elastic portion is deformed, so that the touch sensor adhered to the elastic portion can be as close to the touch panel as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully fitted to the touch panel, or the gap between the touch panel and the other side of the touch sensor is reduced, so that the gap between the touch panel and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance, and when the user operates the touch panel, the touch module can effectively sense the touch operation, thereby improving the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly.

[0010] Optionally, the elastic portion and the supporting portion are integrally formed, or the elastic portion is detachably connected to the supporting portion.

[0011] Optionally, the touch module further includes: an electronic board for providing a light source, wherein the electronic board is fixed to the structural support frame, and the structural support frame is located between the touch sensor and the electronic board.

[0012] Optionally, the touch control module includes: a first touch control module, the first touch control module includes a first touch control sensor and a first structural support frame, wherein the first touch control module is used to control program selection.

[0013] Optionally, the touch module further includes: a second touch module connected to the first touch module, the second touch module includes: a second touch sensor, a second structural support frame and a display unit, wherein the display unit is used to display the set content.

[0014] Optionally, the control panel assembly of the household appliance also includes: a positioning mark, which is located on either the touch sensor or the structural support frame, and is used to locate the adhesion position of the touch sensor so as to facilitate the precise adhesion of the touch sensor to the corresponding position on the structural support frame.

[0015] Optionally, the control panel assembly of the household appliance further includes: a printed pattern, wherein the printed pattern is located on a side of the touch panel facing the touch sensor, or the printed pattern is located on the structural support frame, or the printed pattern is located on the touch sensor.

[0016] Optionally, the control panel assembly of the household appliance further includes a shell, the shell has a receiving cavity, the touch module is located in the receiving cavity, and the touch panel is connected to the shell.

[0017] Optionally, the shell includes a front shell and a rear shell, wherein: the front shell has an installation port, and the touch panel and the touch module are abutted against each other through the installation port; the rear shell is detachably connected to the front shell, and the rear shell abuts the touch module to apply pressure to the touch module so that the touch sensor and the touch panel are abutted against each other, so as to improve the fit between the touch sensor and the touch panel.

[0018] Optionally, a side of the rear shell facing the front shell has a supporting portion, and the supporting portion supports the touch module to further improve the fit between the touch sensor and the touch panel.

[0019] Optionally, the abutting portion is elastic to achieve flexible abutment to avoid damaging the touch module.

[0020] Optionally, the supporting portion includes any one of the following: an elastic supporting column, a spring, and a spring.

[0021] Optionally, one of the inner edge of the installation port and the outer edge of the structural support frame has an embedding snap-in, and the other of the inner edge of the installation port and the outer edge of the structural support frame has an embedding protrusion adapted to the embedding snap-in.

[0022] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a household appliance, comprising any one of the above control panel components.

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a touch module for a household appliance, comprising: a touch sensor group and a structural support frame, wherein the touch sensor group comprises one or more touch sensors, and one side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame.

[0024] Optionally, the structural support frame is made of flexible material.

[0025] Optionally, the structural support frame includes: a support portion and an elastic portion, the elastic portion is fixed to the support portion, and the touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion.

[0026] Optionally, the elastic part and the supporting part are integrally formed, or the elastic part is detachably connected to the supporting part.

[0027] Optionally, the touch module further includes: an electronic board for providing a light source, wherein the electronic board is fixed to the structural support frame, and the structural support frame is located between the touch sensor and the electronic board.

[0028] Optionally, the touch control module includes: a first touch control module, the first touch control module includes a first touch control sensor and a first structural support frame, and the first touch control module is used to control program selection.

[0029] Optionally, the touch module further includes: a second touch module connected to the first touch module, the second touch module includes: a second touch sensor, a second structural support frame and a display unit, wherein the display unit is used to display the set content. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a front view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 is a rear view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view in the AA direction;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of point B;

[0034] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 is a partial exploded view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a touch module in an embodiment of the present invention at a viewing angle;

[0037] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a touch control module in an embodiment of the present invention at another viewing angle;

[0038] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of another touch module in an embodiment of the present invention at a viewing angle;

[0039] Fig.10 is an exploded view of another touch module in an embodiment of the present invention at another viewing angle;

[0040] Fig.11 is a schematic structural diagram of a rear shell in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig.12 It is a schematic structural diagram of another rear shell in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 , a front view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance in an embodiment of the present invention is given, referring to Figure 2 , a rear view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance in an embodiment of the present invention is given. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view in the AA direction. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of point B. Figure 5 It is an exploded view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 1 is a partial exploded view of a control panel assembly of a household appliance in an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 6 The structure of the control panel assembly 100 of the home appliance will be described.

[0044] In a specific implementation, the control panel assembly 100 of the household appliance may include: a touch panel 10 and a touch control module 20. The touch panel 10 provides a user operation area, and the user can operate the touch control module 20 by touching, clicking or pressing the touch panel 10.

[0045] The touch module 20 may include a touch sensor group and a structural support frame. The touch sensor group may include one or more touch sensors, one side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, and the touch module 20 is against the touch panel 10 so that the other side of the touch sensor is in contact with the touch panel 10.

[0046] In a specific implementation, the touch sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor, a pressure touch sensor, or other types of touch sensors, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0047] The size and shape of the structural support frame can be set according to the size of the touch sensor and the arrangement of other components.

[0048] The number of touch sensors in the touch sensor group can be set according to one or more factors such as the type of touch sensors, the number of touch points that each touch sensor can support, the number of control programs corresponding to the functions to be implemented by the control panel assembly 100, the number of control items of the control programs, the functional partitioning implemented by the control panel, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, a power switch 60 may be provided on the touch panel 10 , and the power switch 60 is used to control the on or off of the control panel assembly 100 , and correspondingly control the on or off of the household appliance.

[0050] As can be seen from the above, the control panel assembly of the household appliance includes a touch module and a touch panel. The touch module includes a touch sensor group and a structural support frame. One side of the touch sensor of the touch sensor group is adhered to the structural support frame, and the other side of the touch sensor is abutted against the touch panel through the touch module so that the touch panel is fitted. In view of the fact that the size of the structural support frame does not need to take into account the overall appearance, it is possible to adjust the size of the structural support frame according to the size of the touch sensor, and the surface of the structural support frame usually has holes. When the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, it is not easy to generate bubbles. Even if bubbles appear, it is easy to drive the bubbles out through the holes, thereby effectively reducing the scrap rate of the touch sensor during installation and reducing costs by improving the yield rate. In addition, when the touch panel is damaged, it is only necessary to replace the touch panel alone without replacing the touch sensor. When the touch sensor fails, the touch sensor can be replaced separately. Even in some application scenarios, when it is necessary to replace the parts to which the touch sensor is attached, the cost of the structural support frame is lower than that of the touch panel, so the maintenance cost can be reduced. In summary, the cost can be reduced both in the production process of the control panel assembly and in the maintenance process.

[0051] In actual applications, the control panel assembly 100 of the household appliance may produce assembly errors during assembly, or other components used to assemble the touch module 20 may be deformed during use, etc., which may lead to a certain gap between the touch panel 10 and the touch sensor due to various factors. If the gap between the touch panel 10 and the touch sensor is large, it will affect the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly 100 and even cause touch failure.

[0052] In order to solve the problem that the gap between the touch panel 10 and the touch sensor is large, which affects the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly 100 and even causes touch failure, in an embodiment of the present invention, the gap between the touch panel 10 and the touch sensor can be reduced in the following manner to improve the fit between the touch sensor and the touch panel 10.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8, respectively give an exploded view of a touch module 20 in an embodiment of the present invention at different viewing angles. The structural support frame can be made of a flexible material, so that the structural support frame can be easily deformed under the action of external force, and then the touch sensor is pushed by the deformation, so that the touch sensor is as close to the touch panel 10 as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully fitted with the touch panel 10, or the gap between the touch panel 10 and the other side of the touch sensor is reduced, so that the gap between the touch panel 10 and the other side of the touch sensor is less than the set tolerance, so that when the user touches, presses or clicks the touch panel 10, the touch sensor can detect the user's operation and ensure a certain touch sensitivity, wherein the set tolerance is related to the type of touch sensor, for example, the set tolerance can be 0.2mm. The structural support frame can also provide flexible support by using a flexible material to avoid damage to the touch sensor. Among them, the flexible material can be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone or rubber, etc.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, referring to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , an exploded view of another touch module in an embodiment of the present invention at different viewing angles is given. The structural support frame may include a support portion 231 and an elastic portion 232. The elastic portion 232 is fixed to the support portion 231, and the touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion 232. When the structural support frame is supported by an external force, the elastic portion 232 is deformed, so that the touch sensor adhered to the elastic portion 232 can be as close to the touch panel 10 as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully fitted to the touch panel 10, or the gap between the touch panel 10 and the other side of the touch sensor is reduced, so that the gap between the touch panel 10 and the other side of the touch sensor is less than the set tolerance, so that when the user operates the touch panel 10, the touch module 20 can effectively sense the touch operation and improve the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly 100.

[0055] The elastic portion 232 may be made of flexible materials such as rubber, silicone or foam.

[0056] In a specific implementation, the elastic part 232 can be integrally formed with the support part 231, for example, by using a mold and using injection molding to integrally form a structural support frame. For another example, based on the support part 231, the elastic part 232 is foamed by using a foaming method.

[0057] In a specific implementation, the elastic portion 232 is detachably connected to the support portion 231. For example, the elastic portion 232 is adhered to the support portion 231. For another example, the elastic portion 232 is snapped to the support portion 231. It is understandable that the elastic portion 232 can also be detachably connected to the support portion 231 in other ways, which will not be described one by one here.

[0058] In a specific implementation, the shape of the elastic portion 232 may be the same as or matched with the shape of the support portion 231 to avoid interference with other components.

[0059] In a specific implementation, for the aesthetics of the control panel and the overall design considerations, the touch panel 10 is usually designed to be black and light-transmissive. In order for the user to intuitively know the operation status, refer to Figures 7 to 10 The touch module 20 may further include an electronic board 24. The electronic board 24 is fixed to a structural support frame, and the structural support frame is located between the touch sensor and the electronic board 24, that is, one side of the structural support frame is used to adhere the touch sensor, and the other side is used to fix the electronic board 24. The electronic board 24 can illuminate a certain area through a light source 241 arranged thereon, so that the user can intuitively know the touch operation. The light source 241 can be a light emitting diode (LED) or other types of light emitting devices. For example, the light source 241 is an LED, and when the LED is lit, it can illuminate the position corresponding to the touch panel 10.

[0060] In a specific implementation, the touch module 20 may further include a control module 25, which may be disposed on the electronic board 24, specifically, on the other side of the electronic board 24 where the light source 241 is not disposed. The control module 25 is connected to the touch sensor and the electronic board 24, respectively, so that the control module 25 controls the light source 241 of the corresponding area of ​​the electronic board 24 to be illuminated according to the touch condition of the touch sensor.

[0061] The control module 25 can control the household appliance to execute the corresponding program according to the control instruction sent by the terminal device interconnected with the household appliance, and light up the corresponding light source 241 according to the program option specified by the control instruction. Or the control module 25 controls the light source 241 of the corresponding area of ​​the electronic board 24 to be lit according to the touch operation of the user, and controls the household appliance to execute the corresponding program, etc.

[0062] In a specific implementation, each touch sensor may have multiple touch points, and each touch point may correspond to at least one light source 241. According to the triggered touch point, the corresponding light source 241 is controlled to light up.

[0063] For example, the control panel assembly 100 of the washing machine may be provided with the following program options: start, cotton fabric, mixed, down jacket, wool, one-touch smart wash, wash and dry, rinse / spin, etc., and each program option corresponds to a touch point on the touch sensor. When the user touches the down jacket program option on the touch panel 10, the light source 241 corresponding to the down jacket program option is lit. When the user touches the one-touch smart wash program option on the touch panel 10, the light source 241 corresponding to the one-touch smart wash is lit.

[0064] In a specific implementation, the structural support frame can be used as a light guide plate. The structural support frame can be used to support the electronic board 24 and can be penetrated by the light emitted by the light source 241. In addition, the design should also consider the lack of cross-light. In order to prevent the light emitted by the light source 241 from being cross-light, the structural support frame can be designed in a plurality of grids, and the light source 241 corresponding to each touch point is set in the same grid, and the light sources 241 corresponding to different touch points are set in different grids.

[0065] In a specific implementation, according to the different functions of the touch control module 20, the touch control module 20 may include a first touch control module 21. The first touch control module 21 may be used to control program selection. Figures 7 to 10 The first touch module 21 may include a first touch sensor 211 and a first structural support frame 212 . The first touch sensor 211 may be one of the touch sensors in the touch sensor group. The structural support frame may include a first structural support frame 212 .

[0066] In a specific implementation, the first touch sensor 211 has a first connecting part 213, the first touch module 21 has a first plug interface 214 adapted to the first connecting part 213, and the first plug interface 214 is coupled to the control module 25, so that the control module 25 receives touch information of the first touch sensor 211, and the control module 25 controls the light source 241 of the corresponding area to light up according to the touch information of the first touch sensor 211, and controls the household appliance to enter the corresponding program.

[0067] In a specific implementation, the touch module 20 may further include a second touch module 22. Figure 6 The second touch module 22 is connected to the first touch module 21, and the second touch module 22 may include: a second touch sensor 221, a second structural support frame 222 and a display unit, wherein the display unit is used to display the set content. The second touch sensor 221 may be one of the touch sensors in the touch sensor group. The structural support frame may include a second structural support frame 222.

[0068] In a specific implementation, the second touch module 22 can be used to control or adjust some items in a certain program. For example, the second touch module 22 is used to control the number of rinses for the washing program, and the number of rinses can be adjusted through the second touch module 22. For another example, the second touch module 22 is used to control the washing and drying program, such as washing and drying in one, washing only, drying only, and drying time. By operating the second touch module, washing and drying in one, washing only, or drying only can be selected.

[0069] Combination Figure 6 and Fig.10The second touch control module 22 is provided with a second connection portion 223, and the first touch control module 21 is provided with a second socket 215 that cooperates with the second connection portion 223. The first touch control module 21 and the second touch control module 22 can be connected by the cooperation of the second connection portion 223 and the second socket 215. The connection between the first touch control module 21 and the second touch control module 22 can realize the interaction between the program supported by the first touch control module 21 and the items in the program supported by the second touch control module 22.

[0070] Specifically, the second touch sensor has a third connection portion, and a third socket matched with the third connection portion is provided on the second touch module 22. The third socket can be connected to the second connection portion 223 to realize the connection between the control module 25 and the second touch module 22, so as to realize the control module 25 to control the second touch module 22 and receive the touch information of the second touch module 22.

[0071] For example, the control module 25 can activate items related to the selected program in the second touch module 22 according to the program selected by the user touching the first touch module 21. After the user touches the first touch module 21 to select the "wash and dry" program, the items corresponding to the "wash and dry" program in the second touch module 22, such as washing and drying in one, washing only, drying only, degree of drying, washing time, drying time, etc., are activated, and the user can operate the activated items by touching the second touch module 22, while the unactivated items can be in an idle operation state to avoid misoperation.

[0072] The setting content displayed on the display unit may be content related to the control program after the first touch module 21 is triggered, content related to an item in the program after the second touch module 22 is triggered, or content sent by a terminal device interconnected with the home appliance.

[0073] In the scenario where the household appliance is a washing machine, the setting content may be the weight of the clothes placed in the drum of the washing machine, the motor speed, the remaining time for the selected program to be completed, the temperature of the water added to the washing machine, etc. It is understandable that the setting content displayed by the second touch module 22 is different according to the type of household appliance, and can be set according to the actual application scenario requirements.

[0074] The display unit may include a component with a display function such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit may be detachably connected to the second structural support frame 222 or may be integrally formed with the second structural support frame 222.

[0075] It is understandable that, depending on the type of household appliance and the requirements of actual application scenarios, the touch module 20 may include a first touch module 21 or may include a first touch module 21 and a second touch module 22 . Figure 7 and Fig.10 The diagram is an exploded view of the first touch module 21 . The specific structure of the second touch module 22 is similar to that of the first touch module 21 , and is not illustrated here again.

[0076] In a specific implementation, the control panel assembly 100 of the household appliance may further include a positioning mark. The positioning mark may be located on either the touch sensor or the structural support frame, and is used to locate the adhesion position of the touch sensor. The positioning mark may be a graphic, a symbol, etc. When the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame, the adhesion position of the touch sensor may be determined or located according to the image recognition result of the positioning mark by means of image recognition, so as to accurately adhere the touch sensor to the corresponding position on the structural support frame.

[0077] In a specific implementation, in order to facilitate user operation, the control panel assembly 100 may include a printed pattern. The printed pattern may be an icon corresponding to the control program. The icon may be text, a graphic, or a combination of text and graphics.

[0078] The printed pattern may be located on the side of the touch panel 10 facing the touch sensor, may be located on the structural support frame, or may be located on the touch sensor.

[0079] In a specific implementation, a printed image may be printed on the side of the touch panel 10 facing the touch sensor by laser, or a printed pattern may be printed on a film and the film with the printed pattern may be attached to the side of the touch panel 10 facing the touch sensor, or other methods may be used to set the printed image on the side of the touch panel 10 facing the touch sensor. Setting the printed pattern on the side of the touch panel 10 facing the touch sensor has a higher definition, and when the touch panel component is not lit, the user can more intuitively know the position of each program option on the touch panel 10.

[0080] In a specific implementation, the printed pattern can be printed on the film, and the film with the printed pattern is attached to the structural support frame. This method facilitates the pasting operation of the printed pattern.

[0081] In a specific implementation, the printed pattern can be printed on the touch sensor by laser, or the printed pattern can be printed on a film and the film with the printed pattern can be attached to the touch sensor. Integrating the printed pattern into the touch sensor can facilitate the assembly of the control panel assembly 100.

[0082] In a specific implementation, the control panel assembly 100 may further include a housing 30 . The housing 30 has a receiving cavity, the touch control module 20 is located in the receiving cavity, and the touch panel 10 is connected to the housing 30 .

[0083] In the embodiment of the present invention, the housing 30 includes a front housing 31 and a rear housing 32, wherein: the front housing 31 has an installation opening 311, and the touch panel 10 and the touch module 20 abut against each other through the installation opening 311. The rear housing 32 is detachably connected to the front housing 31, and the rear housing 32 abuts against the touch module 20 to apply pressure to the touch module 20, so that the touch sensor abuts against the touch panel 10.

[0084] In the specific implementation, refer to Fig.11 , a schematic diagram of the structure of a rear shell in an embodiment of the present invention is given, referring to Fig.12 , a schematic diagram of the structure of another rear shell in an embodiment of the present invention is given. The side of the rear shell 32 facing the front shell 31 has a supporting portion 321, and the supporting portion 321 supports the touch module 20 to further improve the fit between the touch sensor and the touch panel 10.

[0085] It should be noted that, other components of the rear housing 32 except the abutting portion 321 described in the embodiment of the present invention can be set as needed. Fig.11 and Fig.12 What is shown are only structural diagrams in some scenarios, and do not limit the specific structure of the rear shell 32. In actual applications, there may be other situations.

[0086] In a specific implementation, the abutting portion 321 is elastic to achieve flexible abutment, and the abutting portion 321 avoids damaging the touch module 20 when abutting the touch module 20. For example, when the elastic abutting portion 321 abuts against the electronic board 24 in the touch module 20, since the electronic board 24 is relatively thin and some electronic components are usually arranged on the electronic board 24, the elastic abutting portion 321 can effectively avoid damaging the electronic board 24 while providing a certain abutting force when abutting against the electronic board 24.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present invention, the abutting portion 321 may be elastic as a whole. The abutting portion 321 may also be partially elastic, referring to Fig.11 , the supporting portion 321 may include an elastic supporting column 3211. The supporting portion 321 may include a base 3212 connected to the shell 30, and an elastic supporting column 3211 connected to the base 3212. The base 3212 and the elastic supporting column 3211 may be connected in a variety of ways. For example, a connecting hole may be provided on the base 3212, and the elastic supporting column 3211 is plugged into the connecting hole. For another example, the elastic supporting column 3211 is adhered to the base 3212. Among them, the elastic supporting column 3211 can be made of flexible materials such as rubber, silicone or foam.

[0088] Reference Fig.12 The supporting portion 321 may include a spring, one end of which is fixed to the rear shell 32 and the other end of which is free to move. When the spring is in a free state, the free end stretches in a direction away from the rear shell 32. When the rear shell 32 is assembled on the front shell 31, the free end of the spring resists the touch module 20.

[0089] In a specific embodiment, the resisting portion 321 may further include a spring or the like.

[0090] In a specific implementation, there can be multiple supporting parts 321. The number of supporting parts 321 and their setting positions on the rear shell 32 can be set according to factors such as the size and setting position of the touch module 20, the settings of other components, etc., so as to be able to evenly support the touch module 20.

[0091] In a specific implementation, the edge where the rear shell 32 and the front shell 31 are in contact when connected has a flexible layer 322. The flexible layer 322 can realize the sealing of the shell 30 on the one hand, and can realize the flexible installation of the rear shell 32 and the front shell 31 on the other hand, so as to avoid mutual damage between the front shell 31 and the rear shell 32 during the installation process.

[0092] The flexible layer 322 may be integrally formed with the rear shell 32, or may be detachably connected to the rear shell 32. The flexible layer 322 may be made of flexible materials such as rubber, silicone or foam.

[0093] In the specific implementation, refer to Figure 6 , one of the inner edge of the mounting opening 311 and the outer edge of the structural support frame has an inlay bayonet 33, and the other of the inner edge of the mounting opening 311 and the outer edge of the structural support frame has an inlay protrusion 34 adapted to the inlay bayonet 33. Specifically, the inner edge of the mounting opening 311 has an inlay bayonet 33, and the outer edge of the structural support frame has an inlay protrusion 34 adapted to the inlay bayonet 33. Alternatively, the outer edge of the structural support frame has an inlay bayonet 33, and the inner edge of the mounting opening 311 has an inlay protrusion 34 adapted to the inlay bayonet 33.

[0094] The number of the inlay protrusions 34 can be multiple, and the outer contour shapes of the inlay protrusions 34 can be the same or different. The inner contour of the inlay bayonet 33 can be set according to the outer contour shape of the corresponding inlay protrusion 34, as long as the inlay protrusion 34 is compatible with the inlay bayonet 33.

[0095] In a specific implementation, one of the side of the front shell 31 facing the touch panel 10 and the side of the touch panel 10 facing the front shell 31 has a card slot 36, and the other of the side of the front shell 31 facing the touch panel 10 and the side of the touch panel 10 facing the front shell 31 has a card connection portion 37 adapted to the card slot 36. The touch panel 10 is connected to the front shell 31 through the matching connection between the card slot 36 and the card connection portion 37.

[0096] In the specific implementation, refer to Figure 5 The control panel assembly 100 of the household appliance may further include a communication module 40, which may be coupled to the touch control module 20 and used to establish a communication connection between the household appliance and an interconnected terminal device, so that the control module 25 in the touch control module 20 can receive control instructions sent by the terminal device, and the terminal device can also obtain operation information of the household appliance through the control module 25, so as to realize remote control of the household appliance through the terminal device. The communication module 40 may be a wireless communication module.

[0097] In a specific implementation, the control panel assembly 100 may further include a plating strip 50, which is detachably connected to the touch panel 10 to decorate the control panel assembly 100. The plating strip 50 may be connected to the touch panel 10 by snapping.

[0098] In a specific implementation, the control panel assembly 100 of the household appliance may further include some other components according to application requirements. For example, the control panel assembly 100 of the household appliance may include a drawer box 70 and a drawer box panel 80 connected to the drawer box 70. The front housing 31 has an installation opening 312 for installing the drawer box 70.

[0099] In a specific implementation, the bottom end of the drawer box panel 80 may also be detachably connected to a plating strip 90 .

[0100] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a household appliance, which may include a control panel assembly 100, wherein the control panel assembly 100 may adopt the control panel assembly 100 provided by any of the above embodiments of the present invention. The description of the control panel assembly 100 may refer to the description in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0101] The embodiment of the present invention also provides a touch control module for a household appliance. Figures 1 to 12 The touch module 20 may include a touch sensor group and a structural support frame, wherein the touch sensor group includes one or more touch sensors, and one side of the touch sensor is adhered to the structural support frame.

[0102] One side of the touch sensor in the touch sensor group is adhered to the structural support frame. Due to the structure of the structural support frame, it is easy to adhere the touch sensor to the structural support frame well without bubbles.

[0103] The touch module 20 that includes the touch sensor group and the structural support frame as a whole can be replaced as a whole during assembly or maintenance, which is convenient for installation and maintenance.

[0104] In a specific implementation, the structural support frame is made of a flexible material. For example, when the touch module 20 is used in a touch panel assembly, the structural support frame is easily deformed under the action of external force to make the touch sensor as close to the touch panel 10 as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully fitted to the touch panel 10, or the gap between the touch panel 10 and the other side of the touch sensor is reduced, so that the gap between the touch panel 10 and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance, so that when the user touches, presses or clicks the touch panel 10, the touch sensor can detect the user's operation and ensure a certain touch sensitivity, wherein the set tolerance is related to the type of touch sensor. The structural support frame is made of a flexible material and can also provide flexible support to avoid damage to the touch sensor. The flexible material may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone or rubber, etc.

[0105] In a specific implementation, the structural support frame may include: a support portion 231 and an elastic portion 232, wherein the elastic portion 232 is fixed to the support portion 231, and the touch sensor is adhered to the elastic portion 232. For example, when the touch module 20 is used in a touch panel assembly, when the structural support frame is supported by an external force, the elastic portion 232 is deformed, so that the touch sensor adhered to the elastic member can be as close to the touch panel 10 as possible, so that the other side of the touch sensor is fully attached to the touch panel 10, or the gap between the touch panel 10 and the other side of the touch sensor is reduced, so that the gap between the touch panel 10 and the other side of the touch sensor is less than a set tolerance, so that when the user operates the touch panel 10, the touch module 20 can effectively sense the touch operation, thereby improving the touch sensitivity of the control panel assembly 100.

[0106] The elastic portion 232 may be made of flexible materials such as rubber, silicone or foam.

[0107] In a specific implementation, the elastic part 232 and the support part 231 are integrally formed, for example, by using a mold, an injection molding method is used to integrally form the structural support frame. For another example, based on the support part 231, a foaming method is used to foam the elastic part 232.

[0108] In a specific implementation, the elastic portion 232 is detachably connected to the support portion 231. For example, the elastic portion 232 is adhered to the support portion 231. For another example, the elastic portion 232 is snapped onto the support portion 231. It is understandable that the elastic portion 232 can also be detachably connected to the support portion 231 in other ways, which will not be described one by one here.

[0109] In a specific implementation, the touch module 20 may further include an electronic board 24. The electronic board 24 is fixed to a structural support frame, and the structural support frame is located between the touch sensor and the electronic board 24, that is, one side of the structural support frame is used to adhere the touch sensor, and the other side is used to fix the electronic board 24. The electronic board 24 can illuminate a certain area through a light source 241 arranged thereon, so that the user can intuitively know the touch operation. The light source 241 can be a light emitting diode (LED) or other types of light emitting devices.

[0110] In a specific implementation, the touch module 20 includes a first touch module 21. The first touch module 21 includes a first touch sensor 211 and a first structural support frame 212, and the first touch module 21 is used to control program selection. The first touch sensor 211 can be one of the touch sensors in the touch sensor group. The structural support frame can include a first structural support frame 212.

[0111] In a specific implementation, the first touch sensor 211 has a first connecting part 213, the first touch module 21 has a first plug interface 214 adapted to the first connecting part 213, and the first plug interface 214 is coupled to the control module 25, so that the control module 25 receives touch information of the first touch sensor 211, and the control module 25 controls the light source 241 of the corresponding area to light up according to the touch information of the first touch sensor 211, and controls the household appliance to enter the corresponding program.

[0112] In a specific implementation, the touch module 20 may further include: a second touch module 22 connected to the first touch module 21, the second touch module 22 including: a second touch sensor 221, a second structural support frame 222 and a display unit, wherein the display unit is used to display the set content. The second touch sensor 221 may be one of the touch sensors in the touch sensor group. The structural support frame may include a second structural support frame 222.

[0113] Combination Figure 6 and Fig.10The second touch control module 22 is provided with a second connection portion 223, and the first touch control module 21 is provided with a second socket 215 that cooperates with the second connection portion 223. The first touch control module 21 and the second touch control module 22 can be connected by the cooperation of the second connection portion 223 and the second socket 215. The connection between the first touch control module 21 and the second touch control module 22 can realize the interaction between the program supported by the first touch control module 21 and the items in the program supported by the second touch control module 22.

[0114] Specifically, the second touch sensor has a third connection portion, and a third socket matched with the third connection portion is provided on the second touch module 22. The third socket can be connected to the second connection portion 223 to realize the connection between the control module 25 and the second touch module 22, so as to realize the control module 25 to control the second touch module 22 and receive the touch information of the second touch module 22.

[0115] The setting content displayed on the display unit may be content related to the control program after the first touch module 21 is triggered, content related to an item in the program after the second touch module 22 is triggered, or content sent by a terminal device interconnected with the home appliance.

[0116] The display unit may include components with display functions such as LCD, etc. The display unit may be detachably connected to the second structural support frame 222, or may be integrally formed with the second structural support frame 222.

[0117] In a specific implementation, the structure and description of the touch module 20 may refer to the description of the control panel assembly 100 provided in the above embodiment of the present invention, and will not be repeated here.

[0118] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to specific features. The feature examples provided in the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, unless otherwise stated. In specific implementations, the technical features of one or more dependent claims may be combined with the technical features of the independent claims, based on actual needs and where technically feasible, and the technical features from the corresponding independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner rather than just by the specific combinations listed in the claims.

[0119] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A control panel assembly (100) for a household appliance, comprising: A touch panel (10), characterized in that it further comprises a touch module (20), wherein the touch module (20) comprises: a touch sensor group and a structural support frame (212, 222), wherein the touch sensor group comprises one or more touch sensors (211, 221), one side of the touch sensor (211, 221) is adhered to the structural support frame (212, 222), and the touch module (20) abuts against the touch panel (10) so that the other side of the touch sensor (211, 221) is in contact with the touch panel (10); It also comprises a housing (30), the housing (30) having a receiving cavity, the touch control module (20) being located in the receiving cavity, and the touch panel (10) being connected to the housing (30); The housing (30) comprises a front housing (31) and a rear housing (32), wherein: The front shell (31) has a mounting opening (311), and the touch panel (10) and the touch control module (20) abut against each other through the mounting opening (311); The rear shell (32) is detachably connected to the front shell (31), and the rear shell (32) abuts against the touch module (20) to apply pressure to the touch module (20), so that the touch sensor (211, 221) abuts against the touch panel (10).

2. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The structural support frame (212, 222) is made of flexible material.

3. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The structural support frame (212, 222) comprises: a support portion (231) and an elastic portion (232), the elastic portion (232) is fixed to the support portion (231), and the touch sensor (211, 221) is adhered to the elastic portion (232).

4. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic portion (232) and the supporting portion (231) are integrally formed, or the elastic portion (232) is detachably connected to the supporting portion (231).

5. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The touch module (20) further comprises: an electronic board (24) for providing a light source (241); the electronic board (24) is fixed to the structural support frame (212, 222); the structural support frame (212, 222) is located between the touch sensor (211, 221) and the electronic board (24).

6. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The touch control module (20) comprises: a first touch control module (21), the first touch control module (21) comprising a first touch control sensor (211) and a first structural support frame (212), wherein the first touch control module (21) is used to control program selection.

7. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that: The touch control module (20) further comprises: a second touch control module (22) connected to the first touch control module (21); the second touch control module (22) comprises: a second touch control sensor (221), a second structural support frame (222) and a display unit, wherein the display unit is used to display setting content.

8. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A positioning mark, the positioning mark is located on any one of the touch sensor (211, 221) or the structural support frame (212, 222), and is used to locate the adhesion position of the touch sensor (211, 221).

9. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A printed pattern, wherein the printed pattern is located on a side of the touch panel (10) facing the touch sensor (211, 221), or the printed pattern is located on the structural support frame (212, 222), or the printed pattern is located on the touch sensor (211, 221).

10. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the rear shell (32) facing the front shell (31) has a supporting portion (321), and the supporting portion (321) supports the touch module (20).

11. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that: The abutting portion (321) is elastic.

12. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that: The supporting portion (321) includes any one of the following: an elastic supporting column (3211), a spring, and a spring.

13. The control panel assembly (100) of a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: An embedding snap-in (33) is provided on one of the inner edge of the installation opening (311) and the outer edge of the structural support frame (212, 222), and an embedding protrusion (34) adapted to the embedding snap-in (33) is provided on the other of the inner edge of the installation opening (311) and the outer edge of the structural support frame (212, 222).

14. A household appliance, characterized in that: The invention comprises a control panel assembly (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A touch control module (20) for a household appliance, characterized in that: include: A touch sensor group and a structural support frame (212, 222), wherein the touch sensor group comprises one or more touch sensors (211, 221), and one side of the touch sensor (211, 221) is adhered to the structural support frame (212, 222).

16. The touch control module (20) for a household appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that: The structural support frame (212, 222) is made of flexible material.

17. The touch control module (20) for a household appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that: The structural support frame (212, 222) comprises: a support portion (231) and an elastic portion (232), the elastic portion (232) is fixed to the support portion (231), and the touch sensor (211, 221) is adhered to the elastic portion (232).

18. The touch control module (20) for a household appliance according to claim 17, characterized in that: The elastic portion (232) and the supporting portion (231) are integrally formed, or the elastic portion (232) is detachably connected to the supporting portion (231).

19. The touch control module (20) for a household appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that: The touch module (20) further comprises: an electronic board (24) for providing a light source (241); the electronic board (24) is fixed to the structural support frame (212, 222); the structural support frame (212, 222) is located between the touch sensor (211, 221) and the electronic board (24).

20. The touch control module (20) for a household appliance according to claim 15, characterized in that: The touch control module (20) comprises: a first touch control module (21), the first touch control module (21) comprises a first touch control sensor (211) and a first structural support frame (212), and the first touch control module (21) is used to control program selection.

21. The touch control module (20) for a household appliance according to claim 20, characterized in that: The touch control module (20) further comprises: a second touch control module (22) connected to the first touch control module (21); the second touch control module (22) comprises: a second touch control sensor (221), a second structural support frame (222) and a display unit, wherein the display unit is used to display setting content.

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